Although U.S. graduate schools admitted eight percent more international students this fall, that growth rate is considerably lower than 2006’s 12 percent increase, according to a new report from the Council of Graduates Schools.
The results in the report, “2007 International Graduate Admissions Survey, Phase II: Final Applications and Initial Offers of Admissions,” are based on a three-part annual survey of international graduate student admissions among American CGS member institutions. Out of the 473 institutions, 160 responded, which is a 34 percent response rate. Despite the response rate, 84 percent of the largest 25 schools responded. This is the second year in a row that American schools as a whole experienced an increase in applications from international students, although about 78 percent of respondents reported receiving fewer international applicants this year than in 2003.
The report also found that American universities are facing increasing competition for students from other countries that are actively recruiting and responding to the global marketplace. Nearly 30 percent of all graduate schools in the U.S. have formed alliances with international universities creating dual- or joint-degree programs. An additional 24 percent of U.S. graduate schools reported their intent to form international collaborations within the next two years.
“U.S. graduate education has long been recognized as the best in the world, but other countries are actively recruiting talented domestic and international students,” said Debra W. Stewart, CGS president “This report highlights how U.S. graduate schools are establishing collaborative degree programs with institutions overseas as one response to increasing global competition.”
